What do you think?
I've been trying to determine whether my idea to swap themes in and out based on the reader's location within the site makes sense outside of my head. Is there enough consistency in typography, logo placement, etc. to not confuse the reader as he or she moves about the site? Are the themes equally weighted, or are some better than others?
What do you think? Please post comments with your thoughts.
I see no prob with swapping out the look and feel. It would be pretty cool...
Looks nice man! Similar to a site I designed in the past:
http://www.openingheartjourneys.com/
MT 3.2 just released yesterday. They've updated the way that default HTML templates and styles work together and others are writing plugins to allow easy switching between styles regularly....
http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/styles/
Don't forget to update your comment preview template!! =)
I like the changing themes, it subtly adds flavor to a category. With such a large use of negative space I think it’s good to have themes to let folks know they’ve moved to another portion of the site unique from the last. I especially like the travel theme because of its depiction of a photographed location in the header relating to a "real" world beyond the web existence of your documented experiences. :) Also the theme with “real” people gives your stories a good start. Seeing the backs of them running towards something I cannot see intrigues me and makes me want to follow them and read their stories behind the image.
I think it’s truly the best thing you have ever created!
Cheers.
One other comment. I think the archives section should have more of a library, woodgrain file cabinet or bookish feel to it instead of the clouds. Sky and clouds works well for "thoughts" but it seems wrong for "archives".
I don't have a strong opinion on shifting designs depending on section -- they may either reduce or enhance usability, depending on context, intelligent design :) , and other factors. But it is good to see you active, if I may quote Dave Eggers, onto whom you turned me: "finally, finally, finally, finally..."
Thank you all for the feedback.
Logan: you'll notice a new theme in the "Archives" section that is a bit more appropriate, I think.
Always hovering in the back of my mind is The Reader.
No one ever actually met or saw the computer operators; it was thought that they came out at night to collect the punch cards and feast on virgin blood...